All male, all female or all young crews may be asked for an additional security deposit of up to £50 per head in cash on arrival at the boatyard.

Customers requiring electrical power to enable the use of electric appliances needed for medical reasons must call our bookings team on 01692 668 981 to discuss their medical requirements prior to booking their holiday.

Please be aware that when navigating any bridge the sliding/folding canopy and screens must be lowered. Ensure that loose equipment is removed from cabin tops and that the crew remain below. Please note: This will leave parts of the interior open to the elements.

What standard facilities are on the cruisers?

What do I need to bring?

Please bring all of your holiday paperwork with you. All bedding is provided but towels are not. Cooking utensils and crockery are provided. Rubber soled shoes, matches and a torch will come in useful. You should also bring First Aid items / kits. You will then also need food, drink and cleaning materials. There is a Tesco store just 5 minutes from the Stalham Boatyard. On board every boat are matches and a handy cleaning kit which includes a small bottle of washing up liquid, scourer, floor cloth and a bin bag.

What is available on board my cruiser?

Our cruisers are well equipped for basic cooking. Below, you’ll find a list of what we provide on board. You’ll be provided with the appropriate amount of items (e.g. dinner plates, cutlery etc.) for the berthage of your cruiser.

Bottle opener / corkscrew

Bread bin

Bread knife

Bucket

Butter dish

Carving knife

Cereal bowls

Coat hangers

Colander

Cutlery

Cutlery tray

Dinner plates

Doormats

Dustpan and brush

Fish slice

Frying pan

Glass worktop saver / chopping board

Kettle

Meat fork

Meat plate

Milk jug

Salt and pepper set

Saucepans

Side plate

Slotted spoon

Stainless steel egg cups

Sugar bowl

Tea container

Teapot

Tin opener

Toilet brush holder

Tumbler

Vegetable knife

Vegetable peeler

Washing up bowl

Water jug

Wine glasses

Mugs

Potato masher

Pudding basin

Roasting tin

Rubbish bin

What are the pick up and return times?

Your times will be stated on your invoice. If you are going to be late arriving please let us know. Your cruiser will be left open but you will not be able to leave the boatyard until you have checked in the following day and had your trial run. Cruisers need to be returned by 9am. Offices strictly close at 5pm.

Do I need experience to have a holiday on the Broads?

You don’t need a licence to drive a cruiser and no experience is necessary. When you arrive you will be given a full demonstration of all equipment on the cruiser and a trial run to ensure you are happy driving and mooring the boat. If you have any queries our experienced team will make sure they are answered. You will also be given a manual providing useful information, instructions on operating your cruiser and reminders of safe navigation.

Can I fish on my holiday?

In general you can fish on the Broads provided you have the correct licence, which can be obtained at any Post Office. The closed season is March 15 to June 15.

Do we get life jackets?

You will be given these on arrival and full information on safe cruising. These are provided and fitted free of charge on arrival.

What washing facilities are available on the boats?

All boats have hot running water, at least one shower and pump-out toilet. The toilets may need to be pumped out during your holiday which can be done at boatyards along the way for a charge of approx. £10 per toilet is made for this facility. The more you can use shore-based toilets the better!

Do I need to bring bed linen or towels?

All of your bed linen is provided on the cruisers but you will need to bring your own towels.

Do I need to bring my own cots and Highchairs?

No – you can hire a highchair or travel cot (charge applies £6 each), please note that travel cots will only fit in the saloon area of any cruiser.

Can I bring my own electrical appliances?

All cruisers have shaver points and a 12 volt cigar lighter similar to in a car. This can be used with an in car phone charger or battery charger for a camcorder or camera. Some cruisers are now 240 volt but this does not mean you can bring your own appliances. Hair straighteners or your own hair dryer cannot be used but hair dryers can be requested on arrival free of charge. It is only possible to use electrical appliances hired at the boat yard or already on board. Please note that none of the cruisers operated by Richardsons will provide electrical power to enable a nebuliser or any other electrical appliance needed for medical reasons to be used on board the cruiser.

Is there a fridge on my cruiser?

Yes but please note these are smaller than your fridge at home and are not designed to store frozen food.

Is there heating on my cruiser?

Yes – all cruisers have heating.

How far can I travel in a day?

The maximum speed limit on the Norfolk Broads is between 3-6mph. You must also be aware that you should only cruise in daylight and so in a 10 hour stretch you would travel about 30 miles. If you are cruising from Stalham, in a short break you would be able to explore the top half of the Broads down to Breydon Water. In a week or longer break any point on the navigable Broads is within reach.

How much diesel will I use?

This varies on a combination of the following: tides, boat, distance, heating etc, and unfortunately it’s not possible to estimate before your holiday begins. You can make a huge difference to your fuel economy by travelling with the tides (not against them) and also sticking to (or below) the speed limits, the engines are designed to be most efficient at the normal cruising speed, there is no rush, you are on holiday!

Will I need my toilet pumped out?

During the course of your hire period you may require a pump-out service, this is available at boatyards, at Yacht Stations and some public mooring spots. A charge of approx. £10 per toilet is made for this facility.

Can I hire a sailing dinghy or rowing boat?

Yes – these do need to be reserved in advance by phoning the Stalham Boatyard on 01692 581081 as there is limited availability.